D A Ramsay Will Seek Re-election
SULPHUR SPRINGS—October 10, 2015—Will Ramsay has announced that he will seek re-election as the District Attorney of the 8th Judicial District. Ramsay, a Republican, has held the post since he took the oath of office on January 1, 2013.
The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office serves Delta, Franklin and Hopkins counties. “Being entrusted to serve the people of these three counties as District Attorney is one of the great blessings of my life. As a candidate in 2012, my priorities were clear. A District Attorney’s office under my leadership would vigorously serve and protect the peaceful and law abiding citizens of the 8th Judicial District. I wanted these three counties to be an environment where it was uncomfortable for criminals to thrive. I believe, through hard work and persistence, we are accomplishing these goals.”
“We have been able to streamline the intake process so cases are presented to the Grand Jury in a timely fashion. This allows cases to be quickly resolved so victims can receive closure and the accused are not sitting in our jail.”
“I made a commitment to clean up the asset forfeiture cases, previously sitting idle with no resolution. We have done that. To date, we have distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to be utilized in local law enforcement.”
“We work tirelessly to ensure that the dangerous people are removed from our community so that these counties can continue to be a place where folks desire to live and raise their families. To date, we have tried over 30 jury trials and a number of trials before the Court. We refuse to only try the easy cases. We try cases because justice demands it, and it is the right thing to do.”
“I have been blessed to hire three Assistant District Attorneys who are some of the most intelligent and hard working lawyers I know. Along with an incredible staff, the 8th Judicial District has, I believe, one of the most efficient and integrity-driven DA’s offices in the state.”
“I will continue to build public trust by executing the duties of the office in a professional manner and by maintaining solid relationships with both law enforcement and the public.”
Lady Cats Overcome Greenville Early Lead; Now 7-2 in District
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team fell into a 2-0 hole at Greenville before turning the match around with three solid winning sets for a 3-2 win Friday. The score was 22-25, 16-25, 25-14, 25-14 and 15-9. Kaylee Jefferson had 15 kills and Sarah Womack 11. Anden Hammack had 18 assists with Tori Moore getting 17. The Lady Cats are 7-2 in district play and 23-11 overall. They play at Longview Tuesday night.
Meal A Day Menu October 12th – October 16th
Meal A Day Menu
October 12th – October 16th
Monday
Smothered Chicken Breast Rice
Providence Vegetables
Cole Slaw
Roll
Tuesday
Bar B Q Rope Sausage
Potato Salad
Pickled Beets
Roll
Wednesday
Ham
Sweet Potatoes
Egg Rolls
Thursday
Taco Soup
Green Salad
Crackers
Friday
Chicken Spaghetti
English Peas
Salad
Garlic Toast
Wildcats Struggle in Second Half Loss to Greenville
The Wildcats led 10-0 at halftime but Greenville score three times in the second half to take a 21-13 victory in Greenville Friday night. The Lion’s talented halfback scored the three touchdowns after being held in check in the first half. The Wildcats scored on a 51-yard TD pass from Tanner Ramirez to Simeon Taylor and Julio Robles added two field goals. The Wildcats, winless at 0-6, play at Hallsville Friday.
Emergency Burn Ban Issued for Hopkins County
County Judge Robert Newsom has issued a burn ban for Hopkins County. In the Emergency Order issued, Newsom states that “…a state of disaster has been declared on the imminent threat of disaster from wildfire…” The ban is intended to impose “…controls on activities which tend to increase the likelihood of such fires…” The burn ban is for all unincorporated areas of the county for seven (7) days ending at midnight on October 15.
In the order it states that “A person violates this order if he or she causes the burning of any combustible material outside an enclosure that serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others.” Local fire departments will respond to all outdoor burning and take immediate measures to contain or extinguish the fire. Law officers are also instructed to investigate the nature of the fire and issue warnings. On the second violation or on a flagrant violation of the order, prosecution can be expected. Under the ban, the burning of trash and/or other fires outdoors are forbidden.
County Judge Newsom made the decision to issue the burn ban after County Fire Chief Kevin Yates informed the judge that 12 fires have occurred over the past two days and that conditions have deteriorated to the level that demands the order. Newsom said the county has been able to avoid the order until now.
County Commissioners will consider the ban Monday in a meeting of commissioner’s court. Newsom stated that he hopes rain will occur so that the ban can be lifted.
Three County Burglaries Cleared; Items Recovered in Fannin County
A man from the Ladonia area in Fannin County was arrested at his residence Thursday in connection with a multi-county burglary investigation. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum says three recent Hopkins County burglary cases have been cleared with the arrest of the man. One occurred in the western part of the county and two on the east side off of FM 71. Tatum recovered a large trailer and a tractor along with some other items. Fannin and Hunt County investigators, an auto theft unit from Paris and some game wardens all are involved in the case. When Chief Criminal Investigator Tatum arrived at the suspect’s property Thursday, he realized he had been there before. He had arrested a man there some eight years ago. Tatum identified the suspect as James Ruehl. Tatum said the man was admitting to several burglaries but he added the man was less forthcoming when asked about where stolen items were now.
Tatum said the location in Ladonia was the same place where he had recovered items eight years ago. Ruehl is also the individual arrested eight years ago. Hopkins County items recovered included a gooseneck trailer with several items on the trailer plus a New Holland tractor. Ruehl is not forthcoming with information regarding other items stolen.
Ruehl is in Fannin County jail being held on charges related to the equipment finds and U S Marshal warrants. Tatum said Fannin, Lamar, and Hopkins County law enforcement would soon discuss how to approach prosecution of Ruehl.
Wendy’s Construction Nears Completion
The new Wendy’s establishment located on Industrial Drive off Interstate-30 is entering the final stages of construction. Foundation and structure have been completed, and parking remains incomplete while construction vehicles are on scene. The facade is well underway, and the Wendy’s sign was raised today, October 8. A full staff has already been hired in preparation for the opening date.
Cooper Lake State Park October Activities
Park officers at Cooper Lake State Park are excited about the wildlife, changing colors, and temperatures that lure people to the area state park. They write, “Here we are 2 weeks into the official fall season and we still have temperatures that rival summer weather. The plants seem to know the difference however. As you drive through the park and view the wildlife you are also greeted with the changing of colors of the leaves. Some may be changing because of drought stress but many are beginning to change because of the season. Temperatures at night and the shortening hours of the sun signal the trees that it is nearing the time to rest for the winter.
“We had a busy September as the temperature began to cool. People have found the park to be a place of enjoyment and a refuge from the business of life. October has continued that trend as camp sites have been booked to capacity.
“Programs will continue beginning with the Dutch Oven program on October 10th and wrapping up on Halloween night on the 31st with a night hike down Coyote Run to “explore the dark side of the park”. We will stop along the way and play some night games and tell a story or two. You won’t want to miss out on this one! In between come out and enjoy one of the other programs that will be offered at the park. We would love to have you come visit us!”
SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMS AT COOPER LAKE STATE PARK FOR OCTOBER, 2015
OCTOBER 10
9:30 a.m. LIP SMACKIN’ GOOD EATIN’/DUTCH OVEN COOKING – Meet at Honey Creek Amphitheater. Bring a plate and fork to sample the food.
OCTOBER 17
9:30 a.m. GUIDED CANOE TRIP: Meet at Dr’s Creek Park Headquarters. $12 Canoe rental for up to 3 people (Bring water, cap, sun screen). Call the park office to RESERVE your canoe (903) 395-3100.
2:30 p.m. GEOCACHE TREASURE HUNT: Meet at Honey Creek Amphitheater GPS receivers provided for this program.
OCTOBER 24
2:30 p.m. NATURE HIKE-DISCOVER THE TREES: Meet at Honey Creek Amphitheater
7:30 p.m. WHAT A HOOT: OWL PROWL: Meet at Honey Creek Amphitheater – Red lensed flashlight only.
8:45 p.m. WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY/STARGAZING Meet at Honey Creek parking lot.
OCTOBER 31
7:30 p.m. EXPLORE THE DARK SIDE/NIGHT: HIKE Meet at Coyote Run Trailhead and take a night hike to see what comes out at night. Bring water, flashlight preferably with red lense.
PROGRAMS MAY BE CANCELLED BECAUSE OF WEATHER! CONTACT THE PARK OFFICE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION. 903 945-5256
Miller Grove News by Brandon Darrow
Last week I took a trip to Nashville, TN with my cousin, Nathan Petty. We made a few stops along the way too. In Memphis we went to a large Bass Pro Shops and motel. It was probably the largest I have ever seen. It was constructed to look like a pyramid on the outside. On the inside were live fish, ducks, and alligator. Then we drove by Elvis’ Graceland and made a quick pit-stop and the famous Sun Records recording studio before heading on to Nashville.
We did make one other stop before heading in to Music City USA. We veered off I-40 and went to Loretta Lynn’s home in Hurricane Mills, TN. We toured her ranch, plantation-style mansion, and museum and even though Loretta was home that day we didn’t get to meet her. She is 83 and was leaving for a show the next day.
While in Nashville we toured the Ryman Auditorium, the County Music Hall of Fame, historic RCA Recording Studio B (where many hit songs were recorded), Hatch Show Prints (where posters are made), and Andrew Jackson’s home called The Hermitage. We especially liked going to the Grand Ole Opry for a performance on Friday night and another on Saturday night. Just as amazing as the Opry was, so was the backstage tour we took of all of the dressing rooms and even got to walk across the stage and get our picture made. Just a few of the artists we got to hear on the Opry were: Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, The Oak Ridge Boys, Little Big Town, The Gatlin Brothers, Lorrie Morgan, Riders in the Sky, Jan Howard, Bobby Osborn, Diamond Rio, Joe Diffie, and several others.
The trip home Sunday was very long – 10 hours. I felt like we would never get back to Texas but enjoyed every minute of the trip and hope to be able to go back one day.
The school’s Fall Carnival will be held on Friday, Oct. 30. I will be cooking chili again this year for the PTO. Even if you don’t like the booths in the gym or BINGO in the cafeteria, I hope you will come out and try some of my chili and some of Lewis Russell’s stew. If you have BINGO items to donate please feel free to contact Sonia Earp, Stacie Wilbur, or myself. There will also be a new attraction – Cow Pattie BINGO. Yes, you read it correctly folks. There are numbered squares and a cow walks around in them and well, you can imagine the rest.
Congratulations to Blake and Asheley Birchfield on the birth of their son, Brady James Birchfield. He was born in Greenville on Oct. 6 weighing in at 7 lbs, 40 oz, and was 21 inches long. I know they are proud to be home with their new addition to the family. For those of you who don’t know Asheley, she is Miller Grove’s 1st Grade teacher.
Another MG teacher, Angela Pitts Gress and her husband Mark are expecting a child in 2016. Angela is Miller Grove’s Art and Yearbook teacher.
Happy Birthday this week to Maddox Potts on Oct. 6, Pauline Rubarts on Oct. 7, and my Aunt Kathy Darrow & Blake Smith on Oct. 8.
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
Tira News by Jan Vaughn
Kim Beck reports, “Our son, Jason Beck, will graduate from the University of Texas in Austin this December and has been accepted into the Naval Aviation program. He will be heading to Pensacola, Florida to begin flight training for the ‘front seat’. We are so proud and excited for this next chapter in his Navy career.”
Michael and Shelia Boyd got to visit with family last weekend. Robert and Sandra Crawford came from Overton. Shelia shared that her mom, Patsy Powell, and her dad, John Lawson, also visited with them. They enjoyed being outside in the beautiful weather and were even able to get in a “short round of golf.” They also lit the outdoor fireplace for the first time of the season.
Don’t forget about the North Hopkins Alumni Homecoming this Saturday, October 10th. There is no charge for attending the event, but a BBQ dinner will be available at a cost of $12.50 per person. Registration and bingo will begin at 4:30 and dinner will be served at 5:30. Following the meal there will be a program and visiting.
Chip and I spent the week at Timber Creek Resort near St. Louis, Missouri. 
We enjoyed the time of relaxation, the cool weather, and seeing the trees beginning to change to their fall colors. We went to the St. Louis Zoo on Monday. On Wednesday we went back to the city and took the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch, and then went on a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River. On my birthday (Tuesday) we went to the historic town of Kimmswick and had a delicious lunch at The Blue Owl restaurant, which has been featured on the Travel Channel, and then went through some of the gift shops. We came home by way of Cape Girardeau and enjoyed the sites of the river city and tried out St. Louis style pizza and toasted ravioli.
